Council to hold special meeting next month to hear from Áras hopefuls

Roscommon councillors are set to hold a special meeting in early September to hear from prospective presidential candidates seeking their support.

The council’s corporate policy group discussed the matter at a meeting last month and a date for this special meeting will be fixed once the election is officially called.

At this special meeting, elected members will decide whether or not they will back an Independent candidate in the race for the Áras.

Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan, who is a member of the corporate policy group, said a date for this meeting to invite candidates to address councillors would be scheduled once the ministerial order sets out the election date.

Independent councillor Tom Crosby said the meeting will provide an opportunity for potential presidential candidates to “speak to the members, make their pitch, and put forward their various manifestos”.

“A decision will then be made on whether or not we support an independent voice,” he said.

Candidates who will be setting out their stall in front of Roscommon councillors will need the backing of four local authorities in order to get their name on the ballot paper.

The ruling coalition on Roscommon's eighteen member local authority comprises five Fianna Fáil, four Fine Gael and three Independents, Tom Crosby, Laurence Fallon and Emer Kelly.

The three main parties nationally have yet to decide on a presidential candidate. Following the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness on health grounds, Fine Gael looks likely to back former Cavan-Monaghan TD and minister Heather Humphreys as its presidential nomination.

Reports are indicating that Housing Minister James Browne will make the Presidential Election Order, setting out the polling day and the deadline for nominations, within the next week.

If this happens, it’s expected that the election will happen in late October.